(PHOENIX, Ariz.) - Phoenix International Raceway today announced the hiring of Paul Corliss as Director of Communications and the promotion of Caren Murphy to Director of Consumer Marketing & Partner Activation.

Corliss joins PIR after spending five years with the NFL's New Orleans Saints, most recently as Director of Community Affairs & Business Public Relations. During his stay in New Orleans, Corliss helped re-focus the Saints' community outreach initiatives in conjunction with an aggressive regional public relations and marketing plan that included the implementation of new community-focused publications and television programs. Outside the Huddle, a weekly half-hour TV show Corliss produced, was named "Best Sports Show" by the New Orleans Press Club in 2005.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Corliss spearheaded a massive public relations effort for the Saints, including varied outreach platforms in both San Antonio, Texas and Baton Rouge, La. when the Saints' Louisiana Superdome was deemed unplayable for the 2005 NFL season. He also worked with club ownership to establish a relief fund that raised nearly $1 million for hurricane relief and organized several outreach missions to hurricane shelters for Saints players, coaches and staff that were featured on national television and in multiple national publications.

After leaving the Saints in 2006, Corliss managed public relations for the city of Grapevine, Texas' Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also worked as an independent public relations and production consultant in the music industry, most notably serving as publicist for Grammy-nominated jazz musician Irvin Mayfield.

"Paul brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to PIR," said President Bryan R. Sperber. "At the same time, his working knowledge and ideals fall perfectly in line with PIR's constant goal to provide fans with the very best sports entertainment experience in the country."

Murphy has been with PIR since 2003, most recently serving as Senior Manager of Consumer Marketing. In her new role, she will continue to oversee a department that focuses on the traditional advertising and promotional aspects of the marketing mix, while adding a new dimension focused on creating marketing programs and concepts for both current and prospective PIR partners.

"Caren is now in her fourth year as a key member of our team and she continues to grow with us," Sperber said. "Caren has played and will continue to play an integral role in helping define both the PIR brand and the sport of auto racing's place in the marketplace as we grow in tandem."

During Murphy's four years at PIR in the Consumer Marketing role, she managed the unique brand identity for both annual NASCAR race weekends at PIR, created relevant in-market NASCAR-themed events, and led PIR efforts to build unique marketing programs with sponsors and partners. She has also played a key role in building the sport in Phoenix and the Southwest.

"At PIR we remain dedicated to giving our fans the very best experience in motorsports entertainment - providing a groundbreaking and cutting edge philosophy that makes our events and facility everything it can and should be," Sperber said. "By promoting key leaders such as Caren Murphy from within - while also bringing in outside talent like Paul Corliss - we are assembling the team to do just that."

Now it's a Dozen Dueling for the Championship during the Semi-Final Showdown in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup Weekend at PIR, November 8-11, 2007! On Thursday night, November 8th, the USAC Midget and Silver Crown Series return to PIR in the Copper World Classic Presented by FASTSIGNS SOUTHWEST Goodyear, Arizona. Friday night, November 9th, the Craftsman Truck Series drivers roll the dice in the Casino Arizona 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, followed by the PIR After Dark Fan Festival. Saturday's ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200 NASCAR Busch Series race could determine a Busch Series champion, and on Sunday, November 11, it's the Playoffs…NASCAR Style as the stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series battle it out for the NEXTEL Cup Championship in the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Get your tickets today: Call 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or visit www.racetickets.com!